Fog, Ice Prompt School Closures Across SE Minn.

ROCHESTER, MN

Schools throughout southeastern Minnesota are either closed or opening two hours late because of dense fog and icy roads.

Nearly all public and private schools in Rochester were closed Monday, as were schools in Lanesboro to the west. The schools that opened late were mainly in southern Minnesota and west of the Twin Cities area, including in Morris, Sleepy Eye and New Ulm.

The National Weather Service issued a dense-fog advisory across south-central Minnesota through noon Monday. Visibility was down to a quarter-mile in some places, and even less in certain pockets.

Meteorologists also say temperatures are near the freezing mark, making for slippery roads as moisture turns to ice.

Through Sunday evening, the State Patrol reported 367 crashes and 299 spinouts. There were 48 injuries and no fatalities.